die Sehnsucht
Translation
longing, yearning, craving, nostalgia
Examples
Er hatte große Sehnsucht nach seiner Heimat.
He had a great longing for his homeland.
Ihre Sehnsucht nach Abenteuer war unstillbar.
Her yearning for adventure was insatiable.
Grammar Patterns
Sehnsucht nach ((sb./sth.)) haben to long for (sb./sth.) He longs for his family.
Similar Words
Synonyms: das Verlangen (desire), die Nostalgie (nostalgia), das Heimweh (homesickness)
Etymology
A compound of 'sehnen' (to yearn) and 'Sucht' (addiction, craving). Literally 'yearning-addiction'.
Memory Tips
Break it down into 'sehen' (to see) + 'Sucht' (addiction). An 'addiction to see' something or someone you miss.